Bellboat Permit and Training Course

What is a Bellboat

A Bellboat is like two canoes rolled into one and is paddled by teams of upto 12 with an experienced helm to guide them. Designed specifically to remove the fear of taking part in water activities, it is the perfect craft to introduce the complete beginner to Paddlesport. This versatile craft can be used as a platform to coach basic paddling skills or just for fun such as journeying, racing, and games.

Becoming a Scout Bellboat Helm

No previous Paddlesport experience is required to gain a Scout permit to be a Scout Bellboat Helm. This one-day course will take you through the following:

• Philosophy behind the bell boat
• Risk Assessment – able to identify hazards and risks and how to reduce/remove them.
• Safety, the environment, equipment, emergency procedures and leptospirosis
• Coaching techniques
• Negotiating a Lock
• General Information: Access to water; the Environment

Assessment is continual, but to gain the Scout Bellboat Helm Permit you will need to have demonstrated the following knowledge and skills successfully and safely with a Bellboat and crew:

• Safety routines, checking equipment and screening crew
• Load a boat and give safety information to crew
• Move away from the bank
• Basic forward paddling technique
• Teach proper use of the paddle and basic paddle strokes
• Emergency stop
• Steering the boat over a straight course
• Steering through a figure of eight course
• The procedure for negotiating a lock
• An approach to the landing stage, disembark the crew and secure the boat
• The procedure for lining the boat round a rapid or weir (venue dependent)

What to Bring / Wear

Suitable clothing for the activity i.e. base layers, thin fleece jumper, tracksuit type trousers and cag jacket & trousers and shoes i.e. trainers that can get wet. A change of clothing and towel. You shouldn’t get wet but just in case! Food and drink for the day plus extra snacks. All equipment to carry out the training i.e. buoyancy aids, helmets etc. can be provided.